NHA okays up-gradation of Rakhi Gajj highway

ISLAMABAD - The executive board of National Highway Authority (NHA) yesterday approved award of works for widening and strengthening of Rakhi Gajj – Bewata (Multan-Qila Saifullah) section of the national highway (N-70) to the lowest evaluated bidder M/s Taisei Corporation, Japan.

Chairman NHA Shahid Ashraf Tarar presided over the meeting, said a press release issued by the NHA. The chairman informed the meeting that N-70 (Multan-Qila Saifullah) runs in the centre of the country, linking the Eastern and Western areas. It connects provinces of Balochistan and Punjab and acts as the shortest route between Wagah and Taftan through Lahore and Quetta. With the improvement of this link the East-West corridor will be shortened by about 200 kms, the press release said. The project would contribute towards safe and effective transportation, especially heavy vehicles and enhance the socio-economic environment of the entire area, the chairman added. The 11.6km section would cost Rs13.75 billion and is financed by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).